The combination of cultural anthropology and archaeology provides an experience that allowed me to better understand the meaning and history of this site. The cultural activities provided information about the area in general and explained the interplay that occurred between the people living in Waimea Valley and the heiau we were working on. Hearing from community members provided a better understanding of the area and the importance of the archaeological sites.
Each week we would do different activities which were involved in the overall process of approaching an archaeological site. Over the semester we were taught how to survey an area for potential important features, the different types of mapping that could be done, how to correctly photograph the features, understanding the uses of GIS and how it is done, and, finally, the process of excavation.